AGENDA

2. AGENDA • About AMCAS • Understanding the Medical School Admissions Process • The 2006 AMCAS Application • Completing the primary application • Submitting the application • Monitoring your application’s progress • Knowing your responsibilities • The AAMC’s Fee Assistance Program (FAP) • Contact Information • AMCAS Application Life Cycle • Applicant Facts

3. A. ABOUT AMCAS • A service of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) • Non-profit, centralized application service • Collects applicant information • Collects one set of transcripts • Verifies academic records • Provides standardized grading information to participating schools • All but 8 U.S. medical schools use AMCAS as the primary application

4. B. UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS • Applying is a two-step process 1.Primary Application: AMCAS 2. Secondary Applications: Medical Schools • AMCAS does not screen applications or make admissions decisions • Admissions requirements and decision processes vary from school to school

5. B. UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS Medical School Primary Application AMCAS processes the primary application. Once this processing is complete, AMCAS sends the primary application to the medical schools selected by the applicant. At this point, the medical school takes over the application. Secondary Application Interview Upon invitation from the medical school: Submit letters of recommendation Submit additional writing samples Send updated transcripts if necessary Pay additional application fee if required Schedule interview date upon invitation from the medical school Complete online application Send college transcripts Pay application fee

6. B. UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS • Medical School Resources • Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) • Minority Student Opportunities • Links to participating schools: http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas

7. B. UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS • Application Resources • AMCAS frequently asked questions (FAQs) • Online application instructions

8. C. AMCAS 2005 • General Information/Getting Ready • Know the admissions requirements at each school • Obtain copies of your transcripts • Make sure you have access to a computer that meets AMCAS system and browser requirements • Make payment arrangements

9. C. AMCAS 2005: COMPLETING THE PRIMARY APPLICATION • AMCAS Registration Use “real” biographical information during registration:

10. C. AMCAS 2005: COMPLETING THE PRIMARY APPLICATION • Application Navigation Become familiar with the navigation sections of the application:

11. C. AMCAS 2005: COMPLETING THE PRIMARY APPLICATION

12. C. AMCAS 2005: COMPLETING THE PRIMARY APPLICATION

13. C. AMCAS 2005: COMPLETING THE PRIMARY APPLICATION • Common Pitfalls • Missed application deadlines • Typos and other errors in essay, experiences, etc. • Failure to receive and respond to AMCAS notifications

14. C. AMCAS 2005: COMPLETING THE PRIMARY APPLICATION • Common Pitfalls • Course work errors • Incorrect academic status • Incorrect course classifications • Missing course work

15. C. AMCAS 2005: COMPLETING THE PRIMARY APPLICATION • Common Pitfalls • Delayed processing/Missed transcript deadlines • Incomplete or inaccurate • Missing • Unofficial

16. C. AMCAS 2005: COMPLETING THE PRIMARY APPLICATION • Common Pitfalls • Software requirements v. application requirements • AMCAS requirements v. medical school requirements

17. C. AMCAS 2005: SUBMITTING THE APPLICATION • Early is good; error-free is better – emphasize completeness and accuracy over early submission • Use print option to check your data as final step before submission • Have your payment information ready • Ensure successful submission by checking the Main Menu

18. C. AMCAS 2005: MONITORING YOUR APPLICATION’S PROGRESS • Check your AMCAS status Monitor your progress by frequently checking e-mail and your Main Menu:

19. C. AMCAS 2005: KNOWING YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES • Applicant Responsibilities In addition to meeting deadlines and accurately completing the AMCAS application, you must: • Know the admissions requirements at each school • Promptly notify AMCAS of change in contact info • Review verified course work immediately after AMCAS processing is complete

20. C. AMCAS 2005: KNOWING YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES • Applicant Responsibilities In addition to meeting deadlines and accurately completing the AMCAS application, you must: • Respond promptly to interview invitations from the medical schools • File for financial aid as soon as possible • Withdraw from the schools you will not attend

21. D. AAMC FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM • Reduces MCAT fee and provides 11 free medical school designations for AMCAS • Funded by AAMC • Assists individuals with extreme financial limitations • Applicants apply online and receive immediate decision

22. D. FEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: FAP CALENDAR See http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/fap/start.htm for more information.

23. E. CONTACT INFORMATION • When contacting AAMC: • Know your AAMC ID • Be prepared to provide your SSN/SIN and DOB • Be prepared to provide specific information about your issue Unless otherwise noted, hours of operation are 9 am – 5 pm from December through March, and 9 am – 7 pm from April through November.

24. F. AMCAS APPLICATION LIFE CYCLE approximately 4 – 6 weeks* Not Submitted to AMCAS Submitted to AMCAS – Ready for Review Submitted to AMCAS – Under Review AMCAS Processing Complete Submitted to AMCAS – Waiting for Transcripts Submitted to AMCAS – Waiting for Transcripts Returned to Applicant

25. G. APPLICANT FACTS Average MCAT Scores

26. G. Applicant Facts Median Grade Point Averages BCPM = Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math All Other = all courses not classified as BCPM Cumulative = all courses

27. G. Applicant Facts 2004 Applicants & Matriculants by Primary Undergraduate Major

28. G. Applicant Facts For more applicant data, go to: http://www.aamc.org/data/facts/start.htm